NHL in Milwaukee Fiserv Forum - Chicago Blackhawks vs. Minnesota Wild (Preseason) October 2022

First NHL game in Milwaukee since 1993! Chicago Blackhawks host the Minnesota Wild at the Milwaukee Bucks' Fiserv Forum on October 2, 2022
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Thanks for watching!

[@MCHammer79]

Hey man!! Just wanted to say I’m a huge fan of your channel and videos. I just wanted to make a little correction however. At 3:38 you mentioned the white tarp wrinkling. As a ice rink tech, I can assure you there is no white tarp. That sheet of ice was a legitimately painted rink with the standard water based white they use for ice rinks world wide. The ripples you saw are actually spider web cracks, this is caused during the ice building process. The ice sheet should be built manually on foot with a spray boom until the ice is at least 3/4th of an inch thick. If you drive the zamboni on ice that is 5/8th thick or less, the ice will be prone to cracking from the weight of the ice resurfacer. And since the ice was built only days prior to the game, the cracks were more visible on the fresh sheet since there were no rut scars from skates. The cracks that you saw are harmless to the players and ice, its only a cosmetic issue for your rink. I’m assuming this sheet was hastily made and that’s why the zamboni was brought on soon enough to crack the ice. I know it’s a lot of explaining so I apologize. I was also at this game, I’m from Chicagoland (born and raised) but lived in Michigan, Indiana and now I’m currently in Madison. I love seeing all the venues you’ve reviewed that I’ve been to personally and enjoy seeing the ones I haven’t been to even more. Love your work.. and since I’m bitter towards Cleveland, I gotta say go White Sox! And Booo Josh Naylor! 😂

[@SACSportsAdventures]

Fantastic explanation! Thanks so much for clarifying. My initial thought was that it could have been a tarp since the ice was made so quickly and I wasn’t sure if they’d paint the concrete white with limited time but I saw a time lapse video of it and they did paint it. I love your insider knowledge from working on ice yourself. I’ll pin this comment to the top so people will see your explanation. Thanks so much!

[@ArthurTerry-we1uv]

Definitely a nhl expansion venue

[@lolo27234]

how dose milwaukee not have a hockey team there the most ride or die market around i mean name another market where the fans bought and still own there nfl team

[@AgentStormCloud]

Bro you got a sponsor for a video?!?! Congratulations🎉🎉 Love seeing what this has all become! Keep up the great work🤙

[@SACSportsAdventures]

It’s more of an affiliate partnership than a video sponsor but it’s a great start and I’m super excited about it! Thanks so much for all your help. I’ve got another project for you soon ;)

[@samrameker2753]

It’s seems very unlikely at this point but I’m still really hoping for a NHL team in Wisco

[@SACSportsAdventures]

I think a lot of people in Wisconsin are already loyal to the Wild or Blackhawks or just the Badgers and don’t care about NHL.

[@samrameker2753]

@@SACSportsAdventures personally I just find it hard to get invested in a team from a different state as I have no connection. If I had to pick a team I would probably chose the Wild but it’s hard to get excited for. Minnesota team that plays 4 hours away, and it’s even harder to get excited for a Chicago team. As for the Badgers, they’re fun to watch and I enjoy going to games but college hockey just doesn’t get that much coverage and it is less accessible just in general. I enjoy watching hockey but I struggle to get invested in any team.

[@MCHammer79]

@@samrameker2753 I feel ya, I live in Madison but follow the Flyers as a fan. I only go to Hawks games because it’s convenient

[@Bullwine]

@@SACSportsAdventures The one thing I've heard from Wisconsinites as to why they don't care about the NHL is simple. "We don't have a team. And if we don't have a team in the NHL, why should I care?" For what it's worth, the Gamblers do tend to draw a relatively good crowd up in Green Bay. At least that's something?

[@BargSlarg]

Their enthusiasm (or lack there of) is based on the presence of an nhl franchise, Milwaukee is very small, and small cities typically only have an NHL or NBA team and not both, however the circumstance seem different in Milwaukee, the Midwest has the teams with the best attendance in the NHL, Milwaukee supports its teams disproportionately high per capita, and the entire state seems to support the three teams we do have. For those reasons it would seem the Coyotes would be much more financially successful in Milwaukee

[@DaKringyKidz]

As someone who’s been to a lot of Blackhawks games, it’s cool to see all of the aspects they included to really make it feel like you were watching at the United Center

[@SACSportsAdventures]

Agreed! They did a good job blending the United Center aspects to a fresh setting and crowd. It worked pretty well.

[@x10x11x12]

I think Wisconsin doesn't show up for AHL because it's not at the highest level of hockey (NHL). Also, the NHL season is at the same time of the season as NBA so the Milwaukee Bucks crowd prefers watching basketball over hockey. That being said, I would love to see the Coyotes relocate to Milwaukee to at least have a bigger stadium and following. Wisconsin college hockey is pretty good so maybe it gives hope for an NHL team soon.

[@SACSportsAdventures]

I was at a badger game this winter and the attendance wasn’t too great. Wisconsin is a hockey state but Milwaukee just isn’t a huge hockey city. I’d rather see more people come out to support what we already have rather than only request to see the top level when most people couldn’t tell the difference.

[@ryanstellato5514]

Still really feel like this could be a potential landing spot for the Coyotes

[@SACSportsAdventures]

Bettman loves hockey in the desert too much. Apparently they’d rather have them play at the arena of 5,000 than in Milwaukee. I think you’re right that it’s at least a possibility but I think it’s an extremely long shot.

[@mr.brenman2132]

A true hockey snob should be pro fighting. It's always been part of the game. The Gordie Howe hat trick is a thing for a reason. The players are pro fighting and the league is not. And btw, Wisconsin has produced a lot of great NHL players. The Bradley Center was designed for a pro Hockey team to come to Milwaukee. Wisconsin supports major league sports.

[@SACSportsAdventures]

I am pro fighting. It’s that people cheer for minor scrums more than they cheer for goals.

[@mr.brenman2132]

@@SACSportsAdventures Ah, I gotcha.

[@Stumpo16]

I gotta say watching this after the coyotes moving to utah its got me thinking about potential nhl expansion cities and how milwaukee. Personally though just like you I don't see wisconsin getting a team because its so close to two markets (chicago and minnesota). That and Im pretty sure hockey is the most popular in like madison and north wisconsin which are like hours from milwaukee. Plus the arena clearly isnt built for regular hockey usage and its brand new so they can't build a new one. Though honestly compared to like barclays center when the islanders played there this is decent and could be made serviceable for frequent usage with a small renovation. That would probably be similar to what they are at the delta center in salt lake. But still I bet a Houston or San Diego, heck maybe even quebec city are more likely to get a team. Espcially since two out of the three cities have arenas built to host hockey and can hold over 17,000 for hockey as well. I guess the only iffy one is San Diego because there arena is like almost 60 years old and only holds 12,000 for hockey which is enough for their AHL team. But not enough for an NHL team to play their permantly.

[@alanzemsky7695]

Great review! Learned so much. I snagged some tickets for the Blues/Hawks game in October in the upper deck. Do you find that it's pretty steep up there?

[@12369ja]

I was at that game, sad the Blackhawks lost, but they won’t be good this year. Also there will be a new stadium for you to review in 2025, as there is going to be a new soccer team coming to Milwaukee, the stadium will be built in the “iron district.”

[@SACSportsAdventures]

Yeah, I have very mixed emotions about the people that own Forward Madison coming in and dumping a team in Milwaukee but that’s for another time. Haha! Glad you were able to make it to the game!

[@alanzemsky7695]

Also, are there many concessions in the upper deck and will row 6 feel very high too?

[@Officer_Boat]

It’s been a hot second since I checked the article, my numbers may be off, but ticket sales were 95%+ Wisconsin zip codes

[@SACSportsAdventures]

Interesting! I didn’t realize that many Wisconsin folks are Blackhawks fans.

[@jeffwinters3808]

It shows Wisconsin Is not a hockey state. Minnesota and blackhawks fans are more knowledgeable about the game.

[@Officer_Boat]

Once more, apologize if this is spamming and I’m not seeing my other replies, but this is my 3rd try and not seeing the other 2. Maybe they don’t like that I’m trying to quote and link an outside source? I got my original number wrong, my apologies. It was 80+% of ticket purchases were from Wisconsin zip codes. I found this in the Chicago business journal when they released an article in the days after ticket sales went live and sold out. I think by virtue of most of the population living nearer to the IL border, most hockey fans in the state are Blackhawk fans, but I think the state tri-sects by the interstates, more or less, as to weather they’re wild, Blackhawk, or red wing fans.

[@Officer_Boat]

@@jeffwinters3808 I disagree with this. How would a game selling it in minutes, in spite of a packer game, majority of sales going to Wisconsin residents, prove WI is not a hockey state?

[@SACSportsAdventures]

@@Officer_Boat I don’t think the other ones came though because KZbin may not allow links. You’re good. 80% is still a pretty good number coming from Wisconsin. Especially considering how quickly they sold out.

[@g-pa2023]

nhl just needs to put a team in milwaukee it seems like the next best spot. Plus they could make a really good rivalry with both the blackhawks and the wild

[@SACSportsAdventures]

Geographically it would be cool to see them play Chicago and Minnesota but I think Chicago is trying to creep their market reach north to Milwaukee and don’t want competition there. Also, the Fiserv isn’t great for hockey and would need some major work to be an NHL stadium (no comment about Arizona. Haha!)

[@12369ja]

There can’t be a nhl team in Milwaukee, the Chicago Blackhawks has a deal with the nhl that there can’t be another team within a certain radius of the Blackhawks.

[@g-pa2023]

@@12369ja why

[@12369ja]

@@g-pa2023 like I said in my comment, the Chicago Blackhawks have a deal with the NHL that there can’t be another than within a certain radius of the coco Blackhawks.

[@g-pa2023]

@@12369ja like I asked why… why can’t there be a team in the radius of chicago.. like are they scared Wisconsin will take their fans or something??

[@careyconley4690]

That arena definitely WAS built for hockey. It's just that the seating in those spots isn't optimal because hockey isn't a regular event. That could easily be adjusted.

[@SACSportsAdventures]

I’d be very interested to see how they’d adjust for the seats behind the goals. It’s a very interesting configuration.

[@jeffreywincell3677]

The arena was built for the Bucks and Disney on Ice and NHL exhibitions and college hockey tournaments.

[@admirals818]

As an Admirals/Predators fan, I had no interest in this game. I'm a proud Wisconsinite that doesn't like Chicago teams, and I found it odd that a team from Bears/Cubs/Bulls territory had that much support in Milwaukee. At least Chicago got shut out in this meaningless game. Had it been a Preds (Milwaukee's NHL team) game vs. the Wild (or anyone other than Chicago), I would have been there. Beyond that, your video does show that Fiserv Forum was not designed for hockey. There are so many reasons Milwaukee should not have an NHL team (market size, not enough support for the pro hockey team we do have, etc.), and lack of a suitable venue can be added to that list.

[@SACSportsAdventures]

Fantastic and insightful points all around! Since this was hosted by the Blackhawks I think they are trying to expand their market north to Milwaukee but the true Wisconsin fans aren’t having any of it. Just look at the chaos that takes places every time the Cubs are in town (and the Wolves vs. Admirals games). Resisting Chicago’s advances North is a great stance.

[@ArthurTerry-we1uv]

Ahhh the great bucks forum!!@😊😊😊

[@Woodey79]

As for your rant about the admirals, they literally built the bradly center (main stadium before fizerv) just for the admirals to attract an NHL team. It was NHL sized. Ready to host an NHL team. The nhl said at some point, milwaukee pays 15 million dollars and they “might” give them a team. Its a load of crap. Wisconsin has a lot of die hard hockey fans. We are Wisconsin, not some city in the desert.

[@SACSportsAdventures]

Right. I agree with that but I don’t think it’s going to happen. There are a lot of hockey fans but when I moved here I was shocked with how small the hockey scene is in Milwaukee compared to my expectations.

[@Woodey79]

@@SACSportsAdventures I also agree with you for much of the southeastern part of the state where Milwaukee resides. However, there is some really die hard hockey in northern Wisconsin as well as in Madison. Also many pockets in and around Milwaukee. I can see a lot of northern Wisconsin influence on the hockey scene if we get a team. Right now it is just in a very confusing split between Chicago and Minnesota based on proximity or just whatever team they want to follow since our state does not have one. Its just hard for anyone here to really be a die hard fan for any professional hockey with little local representation. Cant tell you the amount of times people here have been asking for an NHL team or wondering why one of the better hockey states in the nation does not have one.

[@ArthurTerry-we1uv]

It looks like a cool nhl arena future host

[@thunderfan23]

White trap under the ice? They usually just paint the ice white. And the "wrinkles" are probably the cracks in the ice. Thats not uncommon.

[@SACSportsAdventures]

So I didn’t want to completely write it off as being cracks, although they most likely are. Since the ice was used for one game it’s possible that they could have used sheets of tarp like material to make the concrete white under the ice instead of painting it completely for just one night. I know the logos were sheets and not painted in. I was trying to give the ice crew the benefit of the doubt and not say for sure they’re cracks if they could have been something else.

[@romatron1157]

I was laughing my hardest when Bango was having hard time on ice

[@SACSportsAdventures]

Haha! It’s literally Bambi on ice!

[@C-ROY57]

Same!

[@westregent66]

Man I had Tickets in section 116 for this but had to give them up last minute. Really sad I missed it 😔

[@SACSportsAdventures]

Oh that sucks! I really think they’ll probably bring it back since it was such a great draw. The game itself wasn’t too great but the atmosphere was a ton of fun.

[@jeffreywincell3677]

The only team this state cares about is the state religion the Green Bay Packers.

[@SACSportsAdventures]

That is too true! Haha!

[@bmkdude67]

Game was rough as a Hawks fan, but at least I made your B-roll!

[@SACSportsAdventures]

Oh no way! What time stamp?

[@C-ROY57]

I WAS AT THAT GAME IN SECTION 201

[@SACSportsAdventures]

No way!!!! You should have said something if you saw me and recognized me.

[@Giannisisthegoat3443]

Do the Wisconsin timber rattlers

[@SACSportsAdventures]

Yes! They are on my list for next summer. Wasn’t able to make it this summer but I did get to several MLB games as well as the Milwaukee Milkmen and Lake Country DockHounds which I need to edit.

[@Giannisisthegoat3443]

How about some other nba teams

[@SACSportsAdventures]

@@Giannisisthegoat3443 I’ve thought about going down to a Bulls or Pacers game possibly as well as some other college basketball games in the area. We’ll have to see how my schedule fills up with hockey games. Haha!

[@tsc6454]

The reason they don't show up for Admiral games more is because Milwaukee like the Twin Cities is a major league city. They have the Bucks and Brewers not to mention the Packers so minor league sports is a step down in experience. Honestly if Milwaukee gets an NHL franchise like the Coyotes for example may over take the Bucks and force them to move at some point

[@BAKER22-l4u]

The Milwaukee Admirals are affiliated with Nashville, so it makes NO sense for the Blackhawks and Wild to be playing there. And who cares how it looks? It's a preseason game with teams that DON'T even call Milwaukee home! STOP COMPLAINING! NOBODY forced you to go!!

[@SACSportsAdventures]

I think it’s just that they’re the two closest teams but you have a great point. The average Admirals fan was probably a neutral and didn’t care. Would have made a lot more sense to have the Preds there.

[@westregent66]

Bob is Mad as Hell and needs you to know it 👀

[@samrameker2753]

I would guess most people in Wisconsin are either Hawks or Wild fan so it does make sense as to why they played there.

[@SACSportsAdventures]

@@westregent66 haha! That’s okay. I just tell things how they are and if it upsets people, then oh well.

[@SACSportsAdventures]

@@samrameker2753 Agreed! And a lot of NHL and hockey fans in general wanted to go and check it out.

[@user-en7qh9jv4b]

Hockey 🏒 in Wisconsin is epic!

[@SACSportsAdventures]

Heck yeah! Needs to keep growing though.